The role of the surgeon is of prime importance in providing a
valuable, experienced resource for comprehensive disaster response.
Surgeons as a group are well acquainted with triage and severe
bodily injury of various forms, therefore their experience sets the
foundation for effective planning for mass casualty disasters. This
issue will address the surgical response to natural disasters
(hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), and disaster preparedness,
including chemical, nuclear, conventional and biologic threats.